2013 Top 100: Top 10 growth chains

This story is part of NRN’s Top 100 special report, a proprietary census ranking the foodservice industry’s largest restaurant chains and companies by sales and unit data, among other metrics.

Examining year-to-year growth in sales is one of the most effective ways of determining the overall health of a concept. This year’s field of top growth chains was dominated by Limited-Service brands, which took eight of the top 10 spots. LSR/Sandwich players Firehouse Subs and Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches claimed the top two positions, while a mixture of large and smaller fast-casual and quick-service concepts rounded out the group. Just two Casual-Dining brands, Cheddar’s and Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, represented the full-service sector. Chains are ranked by percent growth in U.S. systemwide sales.

10. Panda Express

Rounding out the top 10 is quick-service Asian concept Panda Express, which bested Preceding-Year sales growth of 11.8 percent for a Latest-Year finish just behind No. 9 growth chain Zaxby's.

9. Zaxby's

With growth of $139.5 million in sales from the Preceding Year to the Latest Year as well as Latest-Year and Preceding-Year gains in segment market share, chicken specialist Zaxby’s has steadily been gaining ground.

8. Little Caesars Pizza

The originator of the Hot-N-Ready Pizza was the only chain in the Pizza segment that cracked the top 10 in sales growth, falling just 0.2 percent behind Moe's Southwest Grill for a No. 8 growth ranking.

7. Moe's Southwest Grill

Although it claims just 3.8 percent of the LSR/Mexican segment’s market share, Moe’s Southwest Grill gave segment leader Chipotle Mexican Grill a run for its money when it came to sales growth in this year's Top 100.

6. Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill's sales growth spurt continued in the Latest Year, affording the chain a sixth-place finish. The burrito behemoth grew its estimated sales per unit by nearly $110,000 in the Latest Year.